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The Home of aModern Vagabond

Each new Vagabond Shoemakers Collection is about maintaining our long-term take on style and quality. A new collection comes alive through a rigorous design and prototyping process which takes place in our studio in Varberg. For us, it’s about continually moving forward, being bold and trying new paths. Always searching; we are modern vagabonds.

We Are Designers — A new collection starts by creating the last; the shape of the shoe. It is the last that defines the silhouette, the toe shape and the fit. Next, the last is paired with the outsole, which is developed parallel to it. The combination of these key elements creates the general look, and is the backbone of our design. Our uppers, colours and structures are born from inspiration, and we find that everywhere — in film, architecture, art and music. And above all, we are inspired by the people we meet every day.

We Are Craftspeople —The design is then carried out by our skilled craftspeople working in-house — cutting, stitching and constructing a full-scale prototype. Great attention is paid to the choice of materials and construction methods. And when modifications are needed, we work together in the studio to make these happen until we are 100% satisfied. The sum of all the details and choices in our design and construction processes is what makes our shoes exceptional.

A Shoemaker’s Story — The Vagabond brand was founded in Sweden in 1973. We’ve been on the move ever since. In 1993 Vagabond International AB was founded, gathering a unique mix of shoe design competence under one roof. Today there are two million shoes & accessories on display worldwide each year. Being able to fully own our ideas, and the skills needed to implement them, makes us extremely proud and inspired to continue on our shoemaker’s journey.

Bringing Back Shoes to Close the Loop

With sustainability as a natural part of our everyday business, we are now ready to launch our Shoe Bring Back initiative in all concept stores. In cooperation with German I:Collect, the aim is to encourage all consumers to take responsibility for their used shoes.

“Recycling is, alongside our aim of using more sustainable materials and production processes, a focus area for us, where brands and consumers really can cooperate in closing the loop,”says Ulrika Simonsson, CSR Manager at Vagabond Shoemakers.

“A big problem with shoe consumption is that a great deal of the shoes that are being thrown away, still have a lot to give. Therefore, the most important mission for the Shoe Bring Back project is to make sure that shoes that are still in wearable condition are being collected and re-distributed to second-hand shops or charity.” This project begins by taking all shoes that are still wearable to the I:Collect factory. The second step is to make sure that used shoes can become new material. The technique to recycle textile materials is already established, but due to the vast number of different components, no similar efficient method has previously existed for shoes. We are now a part of a pilot project with I:Collect, where recycling is being enabled thanks to new innovations.

“There are many steps each of us can take to become more environmentally responsible. In the long run, our main mission is to make sure all shopping decisions are conscious ones. Only buy what you really love. And when you don’t want to use your shoes anymore, leave them for someone else to use or for material recycling,” says Anna Fahle Björcke, Head of Brand Communications.

Shoe Bring Back is initially available in all Vagabond Stores in Sweden, Finland, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, UK and Denmark. Learn more